---
product_id: 509610528
title: "Sound Blaster X5 Hi-res 32bit/384kHz External USB DAC with Fully Balanced Xamp Headphone Bi-amp, Bluetooth Receiver, RCA in/-Out, TOSLINK Optical in/-Out, Mic-in, Headset-in for Audiophiles"
brand: "creative"
price: "KSh125344"
currency: KES
in_stock: true
reviews_count: 5
category: "Creative"
url: https://www.desertcart.co.ke/products/509610528-sound-blaster-x5-hi-res-32bit-384khz-external-usb-dac
store_origin: KE
region: Kenya
---

# 32-bit/384kHz Hi-Res DAC Bluetooth Receiver + USB Host Fully Balanced Xamp Bi-Amp Sound Blaster X5 Hi-res 32bit/384kHz External USB DAC with Fully Balanced Xamp Headphone Bi-amp, Bluetooth Receiver, RCA in/-Out, TOSLINK Optical in/-Out, Mic-in, Headset-in for Audiophiles

**Brand:** creative
**Price:** KSh125344
**Availability:** ✅ In Stock

## Summary

> 🎶 Elevate your sound game—because your ears deserve the best.

## Quick Answers

- **What is this?** Sound Blaster X5 Hi-res 32bit/384kHz External USB DAC with Fully Balanced Xamp Headphone Bi-amp, Bluetooth Receiver, RCA in/-Out, TOSLINK Optical in/-Out, Mic-in, Headset-in for Audiophiles by creative
- **How much does it cost?** KSh125344 with free shipping
- **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship
- **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.co.ke](https://www.desertcart.co.ke/products/509610528-sound-blaster-x5-hi-res-32bit-384khz-external-usb-dac)

## Best For

- creative enthusiasts

## Why This Product

- Trusted creative brand quality
- Free international shipping included
- Worldwide delivery with tracking
- 15-day hassle-free returns

## Key Features

- • **Intuitive Front Controls:** Quick-access buttons for DSP EQ, mic/headphone gain, mute, and Direct Mode put full audio customization at your fingertips—no fumbling required.
- • **Pristine 32-bit/384kHz Audio:** Experience ultra-high resolution sound with dual Cirrus Logic DACs delivering up to 130 dB DNR and near-zero distortion for audiophile-grade clarity.
- • **Custom Xamp Bi-Amp Technology:** Individually amplifies each headphone driver to eliminate noise and crosstalk, ensuring pure, immersive soundstage precision.
- • **Comprehensive Connectivity Suite:** Multiple inputs/outputs including RCA, TOSLINK optical, mic-in with gain control, and USB-C power for a clutter-free, professional setup.
- • **Seamless Wireless & Wired Flexibility:** Bluetooth AAC receiver plus USB host port lets you effortlessly stream or connect external mics, speakers, and headsets for ultimate versatility.

## Overview

The Creative Sound Blaster X5 is a premium external USB DAC and headphone amplifier designed for audiophiles and professionals. It delivers pristine 32-bit/384kHz high-resolution audio with dual Cirrus Logic DACs, features a fully balanced Xamp bi-amp for noise-free headphone output, and supports Bluetooth AAC streaming alongside versatile wired connectivity options. With intuitive front-panel controls and a compact design, it offers a seamless, high-fidelity listening experience for discerning users.

## Description

Creative Sound Blaster X5 Hi-res 32bit/384kHz External USB DAC with Fully Balanced Xamp Headphone Bi-amp, Bluetooth Receiver, RCA in/-out, TOSLINK Optical in/-out, Mic-in, Headset-in for Audiophiles

Review: I previously criticized this device for a noisy headphone jack and discovered it wasn't this unit's fault, it was what I was plugging in that had a bad part. I love this little box. Sound quality is unparalleled and the analog input is amazing for capturing tape or vinyl sources. It even worked under arch Linux and windows with little to no tweaking. A tad expensive but there aren't many options for this type of device. At least this exists, and is high quality.
Review: The Sound Blaster X5 seemed to have everything I was looking for, balanced headphone output, EQ support, RCA and optical inputs and outputs and Bluetooth support. The ability to mix across inputs was a welcome bonus too. My plan was to use it with my PC as well as a PS4 and occasionally Bluetooth receiver, tough to find an all in one that can do all of that with audiophile level hardware. From the get go there were problems. The device was not recognized by windows and could not load default drivers. I was planning to use the creative software anyway so all good. However it took 5 installation attempts and restarts before windows picked it up, and even then only after messing around in the device manager. Once I was finally up and running, issues with the volume control started cropping up. This isn’t necessarily a bug but design decisions around how the volume levels are controlled, especially when mixing inputs, leaves a lot to be desired. I would’ve preferred if it was simply controlling hardware volume and I can control the windows volume independently. If I wanted to play some background music from windows while using the PlayStation on the optical input I had to lower the volume all the way in Spotify just to have reasonable levels. All of this was acceptable since I recognized this was a pretty custom / specific setup but after just 2 days the device randomly dropped the Bluetooth connection while playing music from my phone and started loudly hissing, I had to throw the headphones off my head it was so loud. It continued hissing and loudly cracking, to the point I was concerned it would break my expensive headphones. I tried to reconnect, restart, reset to factory, perform the diagnostic tool on the app, etc etc. but the hissing never went away and I was never able to get it to play anything from any source. Spent two hours messing around with it with no progress. Overall, I think creative is on to something with this type of device but the X5 simply isn’t ‘finished’. Even though I was willing to give it a pass on some things I will be returning it and looking elsewhere, will likely need a combination of devices to achieve what I’m after.

## Features

- AUDIOPHILE-GRADE COMPONENTS - Be ready for exceptionally pristine audio in 32-bit / 384 kHz over PCM at up to 130 dB DNR, made possible by two Cirrus Logic CS43198 DACs that can also decode audio formats in DoP128 and DSD256. With an extremely low THD+N rating of ~0.00018% (-115 dB) and ASIO 2.2 playback and recording over USB and S/PDIF, enjoy audio in its purest form
- FULLY BALANCED XAMP HEADPHONE BI-AMP - Sound Blaster X5 is equipped with our custom-designed Xamp discrete headphone bi-amplifier technology that amplifies and drives each earcup individually, eliminating noise caused by in-circuit interference, and keeping crosstalk to a minimum. The fully balanced audio can then be delivered through a 4.4 mm gold-plated headphones output connector for an accurate reproduction of the original audio content in its most authentic form
- BLUETOOTH RECEIVER WITH USB HOST PORT - The USB DAC sports a Bluetooth receiver that supports AAC audio codec; connect a wireless audio transmitter to the dedicated USB-A host audio port, stream audio from your preferred device, and play audio wirelessly to your Bluetooth headset. This USB-A host audio port also works with external USB speakers, microphones, and headsets for extra flexibility
- VARIOUS CONNECTIVITY OPTIONS - Choose from two-way RCA and TOSLINK Optical connectors, a gold-plated 3.5 mm Microphone-in port with an easy-to-access mic gain knob, as well as a convenient USB-C audio port that also powers the Sound Blaster X5 via a single cable for fuss-free audio enjoyment. For versatility, the Sound Blaster X5 also features a ubiquitous gold-plated 3.5 mm headphones port for easy connectivity to your commonplace headphones
- EASY-TO-ACCESS CONTROLS - The Sound Blaster X5 features an entire getup of front-mounted buttons and switches that are easy-to-access and intuitive for everyone. Activate the customizable DSP-controlled EQ button, instantly increase or decrease mic / headphones input gain, mute or unmute your microphone, or turn off all processing with Direct Mode switch; all the convenience are at your fingertips

## Technical Specifications

| Specification | Value |
|---------------|-------|
| Brand | Creative |
| Product Dimensions | 21.59 x 16.99 x 7.19 cm; 1.29 kg |
| Item model number | Creative Sound Blaster X5 |
| Manufacturer | Creative |
| Series | Creative Sound Blaster X5 |
| Color | Black |
| Hardware Platform | USB |
| Are Batteries Included | No |
| Item Weight | 1.29 Kilograms |

## Product Details

- **Compatible devices:** Personal Computer, Laptop, Smartphone, Tablet, Amplifier, Speaker, Headphone
- **Brand:** Creative
- **Hardware interface:** Bluetooth, USB
- **Audio output mode:** Surround
- **Platform:** Not Machine Specific

## Images

![Sound Blaster X5 Hi-res 32bit/384kHz External USB DAC with Fully Balanced Xamp Headphone Bi-amp, Bluetooth Receiver, RCA in/-Out, TOSLINK Optical in/-Out, Mic-in, Headset-in for Audiophiles - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/5198TB9BmwL.jpg)

## Customer Reviews

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review
*by C***N on 26 May 2025*

I previously criticized this device for a noisy headphone jack and discovered it wasn't this unit's fault, it was what I was plugging in that had a bad part. I love this little box. Sound quality is unparalleled and the analog input is amazing for capturing tape or vinyl sources. It even worked under arch Linux and windows with little to no tweaking. A tad expensive but there aren't many options for this type of device. At least this exists, and is high quality.

### ⭐⭐ Review
*by F***F on 16 October 2024*

The Sound Blaster X5 seemed to have everything I was looking for, balanced headphone output, EQ support, RCA and optical inputs and outputs and Bluetooth support. The ability to mix across inputs was a welcome bonus too. My plan was to use it with my PC as well as a PS4 and occasionally Bluetooth receiver, tough to find an all in one that can do all of that with audiophile level hardware. From the get go there were problems. The device was not recognized by windows and could not load default drivers. I was planning to use the creative software anyway so all good. However it took 5 installation attempts and restarts before windows picked it up, and even then only after messing around in the device manager. Once I was finally up and running, issues with the volume control started cropping up. This isn’t necessarily a bug but design decisions around how the volume levels are controlled, especially when mixing inputs, leaves a lot to be desired. I would’ve preferred if it was simply controlling hardware volume and I can control the windows volume independently. If I wanted to play some background music from windows while using the PlayStation on the optical input I had to lower the volume all the way in Spotify just to have reasonable levels. All of this was acceptable since I recognized this was a pretty custom / specific setup but after just 2 days the device randomly dropped the Bluetooth connection while playing music from my phone and started loudly hissing, I had to throw the headphones off my head it was so loud. It continued hissing and loudly cracking, to the point I was concerned it would break my expensive headphones. I tried to reconnect, restart, reset to factory, perform the diagnostic tool on the app, etc etc. but the hissing never went away and I was never able to get it to play anything from any source. Spent two hours messing around with it with no progress. Overall, I think creative is on to something with this type of device but the X5 simply isn’t ‘finished’. Even though I was willing to give it a pass on some things I will be returning it and looking elsewhere, will likely need a combination of devices to achieve what I’m after.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review
*by C***E on 6 June 2025*

I got this hooked up to my computer and my home entertainment speakers. really makes my computer thump and rock and hte controls and usage are awesome. Great sound

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*Product available on Desertcart Kenya*
*Store origin: KE*
*Last updated: 2026-02-02*